Federal reform at a ‘standstill’ Cannabis Caucus co-chair says

“It’s just kind of at a standstill,” Rep. Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat and co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said at an event at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Friday, regarding federal rescheduling. “You don’t know what to expect.”

Titus said that while Trump pushed rescheduling on the campaign trail, his comments while in office on the issue have been vague and noncommittal. “Now, he promised a lot of things during that campaign that haven’t happened.”

Read more.

High Tide CEO pushes back against Remexian allegations 🇩🇪

High Tide CEO Raj Grover dismissed what he says are competitor-driven accusations against Remexian Pharma, of which the company recently acquired a 51% stake. In a thread on X, Grover noted regulators have raised no compliance issues. A 16-page letter from a German law firm backs the company’s position. Read more 👇

Missouri’s cannabis market is thriving 🌿

Unlike many states where dispensaries are slashing prices, Missouri’s holding steady and consumers are spending more. The average purchase is $65 vs. the $61 national average, and pre-rolls are driving growth. Experts at the recent MJ Unpacked conference in St. Louis credited strong regulations, limited licenses, and “disciplined operators” for keeping Missouri a “shining star” in the industry. Read more in the Missouri Independent.

Americans are neutral about legalization’s impacts 🌿

A new NBC/SurveyMonkey poll of over 30,000 Americans finds that 44% believe cannabis legalization is neither good nor bad for society, compared to 29% who see it as positive and 27% viewing it negatively — highlighting widespread neutrality despite increasing normalization. Among Gen Z adults (ages 18–29), about 45% share that neutral stance, while 33% say legalization is good and 23% say it’s bad. Full poll results here.

Jay caught up with High Tide CEO Raj Grover on Monday’s Cultivated Live. They discussed the company’s recent deal to enter the German market, its expanding Canadian footprint, and more.

Watch it here:

LIT ALERTS’ INSIGHTS
New York Independent Retail Heavy Hitters

It's easy to find negative news on New York cannabis retail.

But, there are many companies doing well.

Our partners at Lit Alerts have created the New York Independent Retail Heavy Hitters list.

These are retailers in the Lit Alerts New York dataset that have shown staying power in the top 5 in their area of New York.

Look for some of these retailers to expand beyond their regions in New York and even into other, nearby states.

It pays to open early in a new market. And Lit Alerts is seeing that play out in New York.

Have a look at Lit Alerts’ exclusive insights. 👇

To learn more about Lit Alerts and get a special offer only available to Cultivated readers, visit litalerts.com.

Hemp beverage industry eyes Pennsylvania for next regulatory push 🥤

The Hemp Beverage Alliance, representing nearly 400 members across North America and the UK, is launching a campaign to establish a regulatory framework for hemp-infused drinks in Pennsylvania. The group argues sensible rules would protect consumers, generate new tax revenue, and bolster jobs as the state faces budget shortfalls and alcohol sector declines. Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing various measures to legalize cannabis this year.

IndicaOnline introduces sweedePay 💰

Cannabis point-of-sale firm IndicaOnline launched sweedePay, a new fully digital, bank-to-bank payment platform tailored for cannabis e-commerce. Powered by Aeropay, the solution bypasses traditional card networks, enabling compliant ACH and QR-based payments, the company says.

Dina Rollman, a cannabis attorney and a member of Green Thumb Industries’ founding team, says she’s returning to Sperling Kenny Nachwalter as a business litigator. Note: Rollman connected with the Cultivated team in Las Vegas last year for a Living Room Session from the floor of MJBizCon.

The Maryland Cannabis Administration is hiring a Senior Policy Analyst. Check out the job posting. 

Green Thumb Industries is hiring an account executive for New York. Job posting.

Revolutionary collapse: The rise and fall of the once-largest cannabis employer in Central Mass. | Worcester Business Journal

A states-first approach to cannabis reform is the conservative path forward | The Hill

Insider buying points to opportunity in Canadian cannabis stocks | The Globe & Mail

Retailers relieved that Texas skirted a THC ban — again | The Texas Tribune

The man behind California's brand-new $15M weed ranch | SF Gate